Jordan Thompson is the latest Australian to cause an upset at this year’s US Open, with a straight sets victory over world No.30 Matteo Arnaldi on Sunday morning (AEST).
Thompson claimed the first two sets confidently on Grandstand, before the Italian fought back to send the match into a third set tie-break.
Arnaldi surged ahead in the tie-break, before a cross-court lob from Thompson and a double fault from the Italian got the Australian back in the fight. Arnaldi proved to be his own worst enemy, with another double-fault on match point to hand Thompson a 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) victory.
Jordan Thompson in his match against Matteo Arnaldi.Credit: Getty Images
It means Thompson will play in the fourth round of the US Open for the first time since 2020, where he will face the winner of the match between fellow countryman Alex de Minaur and Brit Dan Evans.
Jordan Thompson is into the final 16 at the 2024 US Open.Credit: Getty Images
“It was a great match from me. Third round is pressure, but I haven’t been there too often in my career,” Thompson said on court after the win.
“Up two sets to love and down a break I fought back, and I was getting a little agitated there [in the third set], but I think that’s pretty normal. I dealt with it pretty well and came out on top. It’s really pleasing under the lights at the US Open on a Saturday night.”
At 30 years old, Thompson is in career-best form, with consistent performances at the slams in 2024 and his maiden title win in Los Cabos, Mexico earlier this year.
“I think so, it’s hard to argue [in best form], first title, 30 years old, I was 29 when I won it, but I feel like I’m getting better as I get older. Hopefully, my body holds up, but it’s definitely the best that I’ve been playing in my career, and results and ranking have shown that.”
